Meeting Benjamin

Last night the boys came with Grandma to meet their new little brother.













Jacob was all curiosity and excitement. Nicholas was decidedly prim and serious. I guess the usurper has become the usurp-ee. You can't see it in this picture, but Nico kept his hands in his pockets almost the entire visit.













He pulled his hands out long enough to hold Benjamin and bestow some kisses and hugs (pictured) on him.













Doesn't Jacob look old here? Oh wait, he is! He loved holding Ben.

















Here's mom holding little Benjamin as payment for taking care of our two bruisers. What a good sport. Thank you for everything mom.













And here is the quintessential "new family at mom's bed" picture. Note again, Jacob looking happier than happy and Nico looking super confused.













Despite his hesitancy, when Matt told the boys that Mommy would come back home on Thursday Nicholas chimed in, "and Benjamin?". Jacob got upset that I wouldn't be coming home last night and so we said a few more times that I would be home on Thursday and each time Nicholas said, "and Benjamin?". Just had to make sure. I'm not sure if he's happy or sad Benjamin will be coming home with mommy, but I'm sure happy he's coming home with me.

It's a boy!

He's here! 8 lbs, 12 oz of one chill (so far) little dude.






























And he has some hair, though not as much as his older brothers.













We're thrilled this little boy joined our family. More pictures to come.

Do these stripes make me look fat?

No, really, do they?



















I know, it's a lot to take in all at once. I'm pretty much a little heavier than I was with Nico and a little lighter than I was with Jacob...however, maybe the stripes are bulking me up. Or, maybe that's just the baby.

My mom is here. The baby is almost here. We are excited.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

How I wonder what you are...

Pink?













Or blue?













Today I had my last OB appointment. The baby's coming in one week. ONE WEEK! I feel split between joyful excitement and genuine fear. Since we're coming to the final stretch it's officially time to make some guesses. Care to join in? Here are three unknowns to guess on.

1. Gender

2. Weight

3. Lots of hair, a little bit of hair or no hair

A few bits of information to inform your guesses. Jacob was 7 lb. 4 oz. Nicholas was 8 lb. 13 oz. And they both had full heads of hair. Oh yes, and they are both boys.

I'd love to say you'd get a prize or something if you won, but we all know I probably won't be on top of it enough for that. But you will probably feel really good about yourself if you're right.

We are so excited to meet this little one. And regardless of who comes our way, he or she will definitely be able to wear this beautiful sweater my dear friend Tracy knit. Just for lil' baby Hutch. Thank you again, Tracy. (The picture doesn't do it justice, and there's a hat to match!)

Noon times with Nico

One of my favorite parts of this past year has been the time between dropping Jacob off at school and putting Nicholas down for nap. The rush of getting to school on time (and the frustration of Jacob's regular complaints about his "socks hurting" or his insatiable desire to wear basketball shorts in February) is gone. We've given Jacob a zillion hugs and kisses (Jacob and Nico usually share a rather soulful embrace as well) and then three become two. Not that Jacob's a drag or anything, but it's sort of freeing. Nico and I mosey back to the car and then it just feels like we can do anything.

Sometimes we go to the park or to the playroom in our building. Sometimes we run to the grocery store. Or we just come home and play. Or, when I'm feeling tired from the morning, we'll relax with a show. Whatever it is it's just the two of us. These have been such sweet times. I remember when my big sister went to school and it was just my mom and me. It was special. A time to talk with mom, to enjoy being her main focus and to have that darn Jana off my back! Kidding. But, I hope Nicholas has felt that as well. I surely have.

He's a delightful boy. A great conversationalist and so observant. When we come home and play he's quick to tell me long, involved stories and then say, "you see?" with his little hands turning palms upward and his shoulders shrugging. He's the kind of kid you like to have sitting in the cart to talk with about which apple is his favorite. Plus, since he turned two his sentences are shockingly perfect and spoken in the highest of high voices. Matt and I sorta think he's missing vocal chords it's so high.

These pictures are from one of our recent noon times together. He or I said the emotion and then he acted it out for the picture.

Angry













Silly













I can't remember, but I'll label it "cute" after the fact.













Angry again.













Spooky. Huh? Note the scratch on his cheek. I offered to put a band-aid on it and he said he needed to see it in the mirror. He came back and said he didn't want the band-aid because, "it's just jelly".













And happy.













Oh Nico, life is going to change. But it's going to be great. I promise. I love you, man.

A Day in the Life of Jacob

If you've ever wondered what Jacob's preschool is like...behold! The preschool program's funding has been in jeopardy and so one of the parents made this sweet video about preschool.

I love this video because I love his teachers, the community of students and parents, and I love, love, love Jacob's face at the beginning of the video. So awesome.

Preschool for all_Murray from Charissa King-O'Brien on Vimeo.

Jacob was fortunate enough to be accepted into this state funded program this past year. He's truly loved it. Unfortunately, because the Chicago Public Schools are so awesome, he did not get into kindergarten at this school or at the other school we had our sights set on. (Darn lottery.) The poor kid will be doing a virtual charter school at home next year. The school we're zoned for is simply unacceptable and so here we are.

Now I get to add homeschooling to my list of hardships! Right behind the new baby and, as always, the dishes, laundry, weather, etc. Oh, but don't cry for me or him...OK, do. It will be a unique year, but hopefully a great one. We're just grateful he had the chance to have such a wonderful preschool experience.

Oh, and since I just gave Ms. Graham and Ms. Angie the blog address, thank you both for all that you do! Let's hope a year with me doesn't undo all of your hard work! We love you!

Hey Mom!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Paints rhyme!













Why, yes son, yes they do.

You do the math

Early morning + Unattended markers + Brotherly tomfoolery + Sleeping parents =

(Brace yourselves for some guilty faces and a bit of skin.)









































































































































































Just before a long shower that definitely didn't get it all off. (I realize Jacob is probably too old for me to post this picture, but I just gotta.)


















With some editing...


















As I took these pictures I was laughing inside while outside sternly shaking my head and saying things like, "Mommy is not happy about this -- turn to the right," (snap snap) "Not one bit." (snap snap).

And I thought this was something to talk about!

Easter Treats

Jacob joyfully flipping out over his Easter basket.



















Really flipping out.













Nicholas diggin' on the grass. Dern stuff was everywhere in about 2 minutes' time.













And loving his new bunny. Nico loves stuffed animals in a way Jacob never has. Sometimes he gets an armful and calls them his puppies.













An introduction to PEZ













































































































Our Easter Bunny brought some cash AND candy. Jacob is obsessed with counting his "bucks".













Lastly, I love this picture of Nicholas. So great on so many levels.